Running a pet business isn’t just about passion – it’s about finding ways to work that feel good, help you reach your goals and that work for you.
That’s where the 12 Cs come in. They’re ideas to help you build a business that is sustainable because you’re not following the ‘shoulds’ and ‘musts;, you’re doing things your way.
As it’s Christmas, each of these begins with the letter C!
Whether you’re a product maker or service provider, these 12 Cs are designed to help you feel more calm, confident, and in control while navigating the many hats you wear as a business owner.
From how to structure your business, communicate effectively, and stay consistent while staying true to your values to using AI, these prompts are all about making life a bit easier for you.
I’m also sharing ways you can use the Pet Business Content Planner and Companion and the Pets Get Visible membership to confidently and consistently put these ideas into action.
Listen to this episode on the player link below or you can read the 12 Cs as a blog.
The 12 Cs
1. Calm
Calm has been my word of the year for 2024 and it’s something I’ve been really mindful about in my own business.
Creating calm allows you to step back, prioritise, and focus on what really matters especially when things happen in your life and it impacts on your business.
When your business feels calm and manageable, it’s easier to make decisions and avoid burnout.
Action: Use the planner’s reflection prompts to build calm moments into your routine and help you feel more balanced.
2. Comfortable
Feeling comfortable in your business is about designing workflows and systems that fit your style and focusing on marketing methods you enjoy.
For example, I’m not a fan of video (especially between hair colour appointments!), so I lean into podcasting and writing. It’s all about finding what works for you.
Action: Use the planner to map out a routine that aligns with your strengths, whether that’s posting daily, weekly, or monthly.
3. Confident
Confidence comes and goes, doesn’t it?
Some days you’ll feel on top of the world, ready to shout about your business, and on others, you’ll feel unsure. That’s okay – it’s normal.
The planner includes exercises to help you reflect on your wins and remember the impact you’re making.
The membership brings more support, giving you a community to boost you when you need it.
Action: Use the monthly reflections in the planner to celebrate your accomplishments and come to membership coaching calls for encouragement and clarity.
4. Control
Regaining control of your business often means setting boundaries and focusing on tasks that matter for you, not other people.
It’s easy to get pulled in all directions, but having systems in place can help you stay on track.
The planner has sections to help you plan, prioritise, and track what’s important.
Action: Use the planner to outline your priorities for the month and check in weekly to stay focused. There’s an exercise in the companion section to help you reset your boundaries if needed.
5. Consistency
Consistency helps you build trust with your audience. It’s about showing up regularly in a way that works for you.
Whether it’s social posts, newsletters, or blogs, being consistent keeps you front of mind with the people you want to work with.
I don’t believe you ALWAYS have to show up – when life gets in the way, it’s okay to pause and pick things back up when you’re ready.
Action: Use the planner’s content calendar to schedule your posts and track habits to stay consistent.
6. Content
Your content is how you connect with your audience, share your story, and show the value of what you do.
Whether you love writing, creating videos, or recording podcasts, the planner gives you tools to brainstorm, batch-create, and plan content that works for you.
And there are loads of resources in the membership for blogs, press releases, pitches, newsletters, ways to approach influencers and lots more.
Action: Use the brainstorming areas in the planner to jot down content ideas, and if you’re in the membership, come along to co-working sessions to get ahead.
7. Clarity
Clarity in your messaging makes it easy for people to understand what you do and why they should work with you.
It’s something to revisit regularly to ensure your communication matches with your current offers and goals.
Action: Use the planner exercises to refine your messaging, and make time to update your bios or website when things shift in your business.
8. Communication
Effective communication means reaching your audience consistently and intentionally.
Whether it’s through emails, blogs, or social media, regular communication builds trust and keeps you front of mind.
Action: Plan your newsletters, blog posts, or social media content in the planner, so you stay on track and if you’re ever stuck with what to say, use the Pets Get Visible Facebook community.
9. Collaboration
Collaborations open doors to new opportunities and can be so exciting.
I’m currently working with Debby Lucken from Kids Around Dogs on a mini-course to support dogs and neurodivergent children – something I’m really passionate about with 1 in 36 children now being diagnosed with autism according to this article in The Guardian.
Action: Use the planner to explore what’s coming up in the diary and who you might collaborate with, and if you’re in Pets Get Visible, check out the Collaboration Station threads for people to connect with.
10. Community
Your community is your greatest asset. It’s made up of the people who love what you do and want to support you.
Whether it’s an online group, a newsletter audience, or local connections, nurturing your community makes your business stronger.
Action: Join live sessions in the membership to connect with others and build your network.
11. Case Studies
Case studies are a brilliant way to showcase your work and highlight the impact you’ve had.
Whether it’s a product success story or a service transformation, they help potential customers see why they should choose you.
Action: Use the planner to outline case studies, and if you’re in the membership, bring them to coaching calls to refine and polish your stories.
12. ChatGPT
AI tools like ChatGPT aren’t just for writing captions that make you sound nothing like you! Use them for brainstorming ideas, structuring blog posts, or drafting tricky content.
It’s not about letting AI take over but using it to make life easier and spark creativity.
Action: Experiment with ChatGPT for brainstorming and content planning, and check out the Making Your Life Easier workshop in the membership for more ideas.
Why the Pet Business Content Planner and Pets Get Visible membership can help.
The Pet Business Content Planner and Pets Get Visible Membership were created to support pet business owners at every stage of their journey.
Together, they provide:
- Structure: The planner organises your goals, tasks, and content in one place.
- Support: The membership offers live coaching, expert advice, and a community to keep you accountable.
- Success: With clarity, confidence, and consistency, you’ll build a thriving business that aligns with your goals.
Learn more about the planner here
Find out if the membership is right for you
Ready for support with your pet business?
If you’d like to embrace the 12 Cs there are two options when it comes to working together.
Start with the Pet Business Content Planner to organise your strategy, and join the Pets Get Visible Membership for the coaching and community you need to succeed.
Further reading and listening
How to navigate stop start periods in your pet business
The power of community for your pet business
Is my Pets Get Visible membership right for you?
How to create a social media calendar for your pet business
How to write a press release for your pet business
How to use Chat GPT in your pet business marketing
Using your creativity and AI tools to streamline your marketing